Wojciech Szczesny Demands Arsenal Response

Wojciech Szczesny has urged his Arsenal team-mates to use their ten-day gap between matches as a time to refocus ahead of their bid to bounce back from a morale-denting north London derby defeat.

The Gunners suffered a 2-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, meaning they trail their rivals by seven points in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Arsene Wenger's side are facing elimination from Europe following a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich last month, with the second leg to be played at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday.

Looking ahead to that game, goalkeeper Szczesny told the club's official website: "Every time we lose a derby there is going to be disappointment, but we have to pick ourselves up. We have ten days until the next game so we have to make sure we are prepared for that.

"We have a lot of time to prepare for that game and if we manage to get a good result and hopefully qualify for the next round, that would be a massive boost to have a good run in the Champions League."

Meanwhile, defender Per Mertesacker has urged Arsenal to realise their potential ahead of a vital season run-in. He said: "Of course there is potential, but we have to show that on the pitch.

"That is what is needed over the next few weeks: to go to Munich and take our chance there, then we have to take care of the league and go for all the points."